wh03un16h.Ch03.03m In the adult digestive tract, where do lipases break fat into fragments so that it can be absorbed into the lymph? a. Mouth b. Stomach c. Small intestine d. Large intestine

1. **Understanding the Question** The question asks in which part of the digestive tract lipases break down fats into fragments that are absorbed into the lymph. 2. **Digestive Process for Fats** - In the **mouth**, there is minimal fat digestion; the enzyme lingual lipase is present but plays a minor role. - In the **stomach**, gastric lipase starts the breakdown of fats but its activity is limited. - Significant digestion of fats occurs in the **small intestine** where pancreatic lipase is secreted. This enzyme efficiently hydrolyzes triglycerides into monoglycerides and free fatty acids, which then form micelles and are absorbed into the lymphatic system. - The **large intestine** is mainly involved in water absorption and does not play a major role in fat digestion. 3. **Determining the Correct Answer** Given that the major activity of lipases, especially pancreatic lipase, occurs in the small intestine, the correct answer is: \( \textbf{c. Small intestine} \).